Food pairings

What to eat with teh tarik

Sweet, creamy teh tarik is made for savoury, spicy Malaysian food. These are the pairings you'll find on every mamak table.

Six classic pairings

Roti canai

Flaky, layered flatbread served with dhal or curry. The most iconic partner for teh tarik.

Nasi lemak

Coconut rice with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber and egg. The tea's sweetness calms the sambal's heat.

Roti bakar kaya

Toast with kaya (coconut-egg jam) and butter, often with soft-boiled eggs — a classic breakfast.

Karipap

Curry puffs with a spiced potato filling; the perfect tea-time snack.

Mee goreng mamak

Spicy, tangy fried yellow noodles with tofu, potato and egg.

Murtabak

Pan-fried bread stuffed with minced meat, egg and onion, served with curry.

Why the pairing works

The condensed milk in teh tarik coats the palate and softens chilli heat, while the strong tea cuts through rich, oily dishes. That balance is why a glass of teh tarik sits next to almost every mamak meal. Read more about mamak culture in the history of teh tarik, or make teh tarik at home.